It is Tuesday and time to write a 'Slice of Life."
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On babysitting days, Tony’s always a real sport about driving across town to pick up our Bird and bring her back here for the day. He is more of an early riser than I am; I like to wake slowly – and write. This week, however, I was up early, itching to go. It had been three weeks since I laid eyes on my granddaughters, thanks to the timing of Covid-19 sweeping through both our households. I was thrilled to go, and catch a glimpse of her sister Frog before she left for school.
big hugs, big smiles, we’re together
My eyes watered at the hugs I received. I was half-wishing that Frog could play hooky from school for the day, but that seemed a naughty thing for this retired teacher to suggest. Bird and I watched from the window, waving goodbye, as her parents and sister left for the day.
grandchildren and grandparents: mutual adoration society
Bird wanted to ‘show me a few things’ at her house, so we lingered. First order of business, building a Magna-Tile castle for Elsa and Anna. ‘Elsa and Anna,’ oh my. How many years will this movie have such a hold on children? How many years will I have songs from Frozen running through my brain unexpectedly?
let it go! let it go!
Next, we had to build a Magna-Tile highway. (Magna-Tiles are perhaps my favorite toy – whether home or preschool classroom. Such a clever tool!) This highway stretched from the new castle to Michigan (the girls’ dollhouse).
build and break, think again, redo
Michigan is home to many of Bird’s relatives on Mom’s side of the family. They had visited in early January, a long and memorable car ride for this three year old child. Building the Magna- Tile highway reminded Bird of the need for snacks. I’m sure she and her sister were simply plied with munchies all along the way, on that long trip. So, we searched the kitchen for something fun – ah, blueberry pop tarts! Sure, we can have a pop tart as we build together.
pop tarts and childhood together always
Then she noticed her playdough factory, and decided it was time to play there. I reminded her that Poppa was making her an egg breakfast at our house and that he was looking forward to seeing her. Hint, hint. “I need to pack my princess shoes!” Bird said. (Yes, she got the hint!)
princess dress, plastic heels, let’s go!
We double-checked the tote bag to make sure we had everything we needed for the day. While I look for things like extra clothes such as leggings and a long-sleeved shirt, Bird is tossing in treasured toys: a princess crown, princess gloves, those princess ‘heels’, and a doll or two. Lest you think she is a girly-girl, she finds her favorite toy car and pickup truck. Oh, and the entire large plastic playdough factory, because we have playdough at my house. (Thank goodness for large tote bags.) We also tossed the pop tarts into a food pouch for the drive. Finally, we were ready for the day.
car ride, any length, snacks needed
We had a full and joyous morning at my house, nothing out of the ordinary, just our usual ‘B’ list:
breakfast of eggs, toast, and grapes baby dolls need regular diaper changes bright red playdough tea and cookies building a puzzle together is fun best solo activity is marker drawing bundle up warm for the playground balancing practice on curbs and flagstones blast down the hill full speed busy with jeep driving and playscape climbing blustery wind suggests we head home boundless energy zapped, stroller ride back blueberries and yogurt for lunch bevy of stories, time for nap bountiful morning followed by quiet dreaming
Truth is – we all three take a nap!! I’m not a big napper most days – but they have become ‘de rigueur’ on babysitting days.
couch curled, sound asleep, midday bliss
This was just an ordinary babysitting day. This was a wonderful ordinary babysitting day!
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Maureen, such excitement all in one day. I’m so glad you are feeling better. You were down and out for a couple of weeks. Returning to the routines is good for the soul, especially when grandchildren come! All of your details are so much fun – that MagnaTile bridge is a magical transport from the castle to Michigan. Your ending reminds me of the book A Napping House, a very favorite picture book. I can see the blue hues of the page and feel the rest, and then the yellow of sunshine and awakening.
Thanks, Kim! It was delightful to be back to normal.
Maureen, I love how you share your joy and love for your granddaughters. They are definitely blessed to have such loving grandparents near enough to babysit. I had to laugh at your reference to the Frozen songs! I totally understand and “Let it go!” is certainly a lyric that is used often for my internal thought processes. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful and ordinary day!
Thank you, Barb! We had a lot of fun together.
This is a beautiful slice. I love the way you wove in the six word poems!
Maureen, how clever six-word poems all beginning with the letter B. And more interspersed in your post, like sweet headings. It was fun to read the list, but also sounded exhausting. Therefore, your immediate description of the “midday bliss” of the naps sounded perfect! It was so good to hear your backache leaving along with the Covid.